CPC 20th National Congress: Xi warns against foreign interference in Taiwan
Chinese President Xi Jinping said China reserves the option of “taking all measures necessary” against “interference by outside forces” on the issue of Taiwan.
In a wide-ranging speech Sunday, Xi spoke firmly about China’s resolve for reunification with the self-governed island, which Beijing considers part of its territory.
“We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort,” Xi said in Chinese, according to an official translation. “But, we will never promise to renounce the use of force. And we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary.”
“This is directed solely at interference by outside forces and a few separatists seeking Taiwan independence,” he said, emphasizing that resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese to resolve.
Cross-strait tensions
This summer, following Nancy Pelosi’s contentious trip to Taiwan, tensions increased throughout the region.
China has issued cautions against the visit, arguing that the island should not be allowed to engage in international matters. The United States maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan despite recognizing Beijing as the only legitimate government in China.
Compared to the 19th National Congress of the party, which was held five years ago, Xi accorded Taiwan a higher priority in his speech on Sunday.
Which officials will eventually lead the party and China will be decided during the high-level summit.
The new core team surrounding Xi is expected to be revealed next weekend. The Chinese government meets annually, usually in March, and confirms official titles like president and premier.
“We have waged a battle against corruption on a scale unprecedented in our history. Driven by a strong sense of mission, we have resolved to ‘offend a few thousand rather than fail 1.4 billion’ and to clear our party of all its ills,” Xi Jinping said. #XiJinping #20thCPC pic.twitter.com/UA9GXFSL0E
— Zhang Heqing张和清 (@zhang_heqing) October 16, 2022
